Job Posting: Financial Management Branch Chief

Department of Social Services

JC-531329
-
Financial Management Branch Chief
C. E. A.

$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 9/24/2026

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is seeking a highly motivated Branch Chief (Career Executive Appointment, CEA), who is looking for meaningful work in a high profile and fast paced environment to join the Financial Management Branch (FMB). The Branch serves a key role in working with the Department’s core programs to develop and maintain the departments operational budget, allocations, and fiscal claiming guidance. We are a high functioning team and the work we do makes a difference to the millions of Californians experiencing need. The Finance and Accounting Division (FAD) invites candidates with leadership experience in the state budget development process, strong communication, and analytical skills who are up for a challenge to apply and compete.  


Under the administrative direction of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Deputy Director of the Finance and Accounting Division (FAD), this position is responsible for planning, organizing, developing and directing the Financial Management Branch in the maintenance and development of the Department’s operational budget, allocation of the local assistance budget, and fiscal policy guidance. The Branch Chief reports to the CFO/Deputy Director, but works directly with the Department’s Directorate to provide fiscal support, represent the Department in budget negotiations with oversight agencies, and inform the decision-making process.

Working Conditions

This position is being advertised in Sacramento County. The CDSS Headquarter location is 744 P Street Sacramento 95814.

 

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-531329
Position #(s):
800-660-7500-001
Working Title:
Financial Management Branch Chief
Classification:
C. E. A.
$10,349.00 - $12,526.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive. 

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Examination section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission. Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination process.


Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.   

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 9/24/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Jessica Alvarado, CEA & Exempt Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Jessica Alvarado, CEA & Exempt Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -

    A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Resumes or cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of a SOQ. Please refer to the Examination Information section for instructions regarding the SOQ. Applicants who do not submit the required items will not be considered for this recruitment.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

  • Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  1. Broad management capabilities, including broad technical and management level experience in the state's budgeting, and legislative processes.
  2. Demonstrated ability to perform higher-level administrative and policy influencing functions effectively. This includes the demonstrated ability to work effectively under intense pressure, and the capacity to make high-level decisions in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  3. Ability to communicate effectively with others as demonstrated by strong written and verbal communication skills, strong negotiating skills, and particularly the ability to represent the department effectively before the Legislature; with other state, local, and federal government entities; and with other external stakeholders.
  4. Demonstrated ability to balance risk, solve problems, and develop new approaches to achieve the Department's mission.
  5. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain confident, credible, and cooperative relationships with people in the highest level both internally to the department and externally including with oversight entities, the legislature, and external stakeholders.
  6. Strong leadership and management team experience demonstrating an ability to set goals and expectations; encourage growth and initiative at all levels; use sound judgment in managing staff within a multi-disciplinary organization; coach and mentor employees to create a work environment that stimulates learning, encourages growth, and recognizes individual achievements to ensure peak performance.
  7. Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, fiscal development and management, and the Department's EEO Program objectives.

 

Examination Information

The Examination will consist of a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) evaluation and screening process. A departmental evaluation panel will review and score the SOQ based on the competitive nature of each candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Please note there is not a separate online Examination for the CEA classification. The SOQ will be the only basis for your final score and rank on the eligible list.

Applicants who do not submit a SOQ or follow the instructions will be eliminated from the Examination. The SOQ must:

  • Be no more than three (3) pages in length. 
  • Detail your interest in the California Department of Social Services and how your education and experience would make you a good fit for the position.
  • Address the following three (3) questions in a narrative format. Please provide direct responses with specific examples addressing each of the items listed below. 

(1) Describe your experience overseeing a department’s budget development process. Provide a specific example of how you managed a complex fiscal challenge to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and alignment with the Governor’s Budget priorities. 

 

(2) Describe how you have successfully advocated for resources and represented your organization’s interests in external discussions about fiscal management and resource needs, such as before the legislature or oversight/control agencies. How did you approach it?

 

(3) Describe your experience identifying and mitigating significant organizational risks in a public agency. How did you assess risks, help identify mitigations, and communicate, plan for and facilitate change management? What was the outcome? 


If your qualifications are competitive, you may be considered and invited to an interview.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job